I've saved up enough money to buy a digital hard-disk based multitracker (I won't buy a new Mac after all).
I have four machines on my shortlist: the Akai DPS12i, Fostex VF16, Tascam 788, Korg D16.
The Korg is just that little bit too expensive for me. The Tascam looks like a great machine, but will only record on 4 tracks at once, which will make live recordings trickier. So I think I will have to choose between the Akai and the Fostex. The Fostex has a few more tracks (and records on 8 instead of 6) but the Akai seems to have earned a loyal following and a great reputation. Neither machine appears to have any serious shortcomings. Which would you prefer? And are there any pressing reasons why I should not rule out the other two?
Now, effects: I never used *any* electronic effects with my old equipment. I've had a TEAC A3340 4-track reel-to-reel for 15 years, and I designed and built a large collection of devices out of things like cardboard tubes, damaged speaker cones and so on for that purpose. The closest thing I had to an effects unit was the circuitry of an ancient valve-powered reel-to-reel. Any treatments I applied were done at the time the track was laid. It will be nice to play with on-board effects with great ease, though I doubt there'll be one called "guitar amp behind shut bathroom door" or "microphone touching speaker cone". One effect I *would* like to have is half-speed recording, which I found very useful. Should I be aware of any important deficiencies or features in the effects units of the machines I'm considering?
Any suggestion, opinions or advice greatly welcomed.
Daniele
I have four machines on my shortlist: the Akai DPS12i, Fostex VF16, Tascam 788, Korg D16.
The Korg is just that little bit too expensive for me. The Tascam looks like a great machine, but will only record on 4 tracks at once, which will make live recordings trickier. So I think I will have to choose between the Akai and the Fostex. The Fostex has a few more tracks (and records on 8 instead of 6) but the Akai seems to have earned a loyal following and a great reputation. Neither machine appears to have any serious shortcomings. Which would you prefer? And are there any pressing reasons why I should not rule out the other two?
Now, effects: I never used *any* electronic effects with my old equipment. I've had a TEAC A3340 4-track reel-to-reel for 15 years, and I designed and built a large collection of devices out of things like cardboard tubes, damaged speaker cones and so on for that purpose. The closest thing I had to an effects unit was the circuitry of an ancient valve-powered reel-to-reel. Any treatments I applied were done at the time the track was laid. It will be nice to play with on-board effects with great ease, though I doubt there'll be one called "guitar amp behind shut bathroom door" or "microphone touching speaker cone". One effect I *would* like to have is half-speed recording, which I found very useful. Should I be aware of any important deficiencies or features in the effects units of the machines I'm considering?
Any suggestion, opinions or advice greatly welcomed.
Daniele
